The Unexpected Visitor II
In the first part (here) we discussed some basic mental first aid applied when the injury that is an unexpected visitor occurs. In this part, we’d be looking more closely at how to entertain your unexpected visitor with particular attention to refreshments.
We are well aware that the refreshments we serve guests and visitors form 50% of the “entertainment”we give them. Thus, the effort one puts into serving refreshments can either score one points as a good host or take away points,making one a bad host. I know, I know, you couldn’t care less how you’re scored by someone you don’t want to be hosting anyway. But like we said in the previous post, this is less about how you feel and more about what is polite and courteous. Therefore, it is only right that a nice amount of stress-free effort is put into hosting your unexpected visitor.
So, now that we’ve all agreed that we shall not be causing them death by food poisoning, we will be looking at four easy tips containing a few guidelines and some suggested options, which I have compiled from my experience and from closely observing people I consider to be great hosts. They have proven to be helpful at times like this.
*CAUTION* The following paragraphs shall be accompanied by drool-worthy photos off Pinterest. Ensure you do not read further on an empty stomach.
Tip #1: Keep a Well Stocked Bar
This isn’t as hard as it sounds. First off, you don’t need to have a fancy in-built bar. You can always improvise on the physical structure of your bar. A lot of people stock their drinks in their pantries.
However, if you’re fancy and prefer a bar that displays your collection, you could go for a small display bar cabinet, a bar shelf,
or a bar cart; or improvise using what you have to achieve any of these styles.
In the same light, your bar doesn’t have to have an array of expensive bottles by the dozen. What matters the most is that at every point, you have a basic variety. An example of a basic variety is having a good bottle each of red wine, white wine, rosé, champagne, vodka, tequila and scotch. Its also important to have sodas, bottles of water and a bottle of juice for the minors and non-alcoholics.
Tip #2: Keep a Well Stocked Pantry and Fridge
Now this is the one that requires a lot of effort. It includes stocking with both fresh, raw, cooked and semi-cooked products. To make it easier, I’d make a sample list comprising of all the categories which you can adopt or alter as you please.
- Marinated chicken wings and breasts (could be store bought or you can marinate it yourself).
- Marinated beef.
- Mixed veggies and mixed peppers (could be fresh or frozen).
- At least two Fruits and Berries (best fresh, but frozen berries would do just fine).
- At least two types of Nuts (eg almonds and cashew nuts).
- Cookies and crackers.
- ChinChin
- A pack of Pasta
- A cake (could be frosted or naked, store bought or homemade).
- A tub of ice cream, or frozen yogurt.
- Two soups for Eba made generously with love.
- Fish, chicken or goat meat pepper soup (Jamaican curry goat)
- One tomato stew for rice.
- Irish potatoes (fresh or frozen chips).
- Instant noodles (indomie)
You don’t have to have everything on this list, but having a few of them at every and any point in time will save you from bringing dishonor on your cow (if you’ve never seen Mulan, shame on you!) whenever visitors pop up.
Tip #3: Have easy Recipes on Speed dial
Leave the elaborate meals for “guests”. Here, I’m talking fast, easy but attractive looking dishes, desserts and snacks. I’m talking popping those marinated wings to deep fry quickly and tossing them in honey and barbecue sauce, and viola honey barbecue wings!
You could make your own compilation of recipes by scrolling through the internet, or you could use mama’s recipes that you already have by heart. Another key thing here is presentation. Your presentation is what would make a simple meal, dessert or snack look like the fanciest meal they’ve ever had. For instance, instead of serving your visitor a sad looking blob of yogurt, you could add a lil granola and fruit and turn it into a parfait.
In the same way, you could wave your wand and turn that fruit bowl into a fruit kebab.
Even a simple slice of chocolate cake would look upgraded when served on a white dessert plate!Get in touch with your inner chef!
Tip #4: Do Not Poison Your Visitor
Or clobber them with a baseball bat! This here is the most important tip of all!
I do hope you found this post and the previous one helpful! Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to share!
oprolevorter
September 8, 2019 at 11:03 amYou actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I might never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m taking a look ahead on your next put up, I will try to get the hang of it!